Labor Day Weekend Party Ideas

Decorations

The Labor Day holiday began in the 1880s as a way to honor workers for all of
their efforts. In that spirit, encourage your guests to really relax by filling
your outdoor area with hammocks, comfortable lounge chairs, lawn blankets and
lots of pillows.

Like 4th of July, patriotic decorations dominate for Labor Day, but in addition
to the stars and stripes, the slight chill in the air means you can also
decorate in warm, earth tones and rich oranges, golds and yellows.

Tiki torches, twinkle lights and candles in hurricane lamps keep things bright
if your party lasts into evening. And don't forget the citronella candles
to keep any flying critters away.

Themes

These end-of-summer themes will add a seasonal spice to your Labor Day:

Back-to-school bash: Whether you're actually going back to
school or just reliving those crazier days, a rager with cheap eats and rocking
music will get you and your crew into the school spirit.

Neighborhood block party: Get to know your neighbors with an
old-fashioned block party. Ask people to bring games and food to share.

Beach party: It may be months before you can stick your feet in the
warm sand again, so one final bonfire with s'mores helps you squeeze the
most out of these last few summer days.

Dancing under the stars: Enjoy the warm nights with an old-fashioned
dance party. Bonus points for dressing up retro and playing big band or swing
music.

Have a back-up plan! Whenever you're planning a backyard bash, you need a
plan B in case the weather doesn't go your way. Depending on your theme,
that could mean renting a tent or canopy, or planning your party near a covered
porch or usable indoor space.

Activities

How do you make the great outdoors even more terrific? With fun outdoor group
activities.

If you're having a larger bash, split the group into two teams for a game
of flag football, softball or volleyball. Groups that are smaller or more mellow
might prefer lawn games like bocce, horseshoes and croquet.

Day hikes and camping trips are the kind of labor that nobody minds on Labor
Day. Pile into as few cars as possible to make it easier to park and meet up.
Ask everyone to bring their own water and some snacks, like trail mix or fruit,
to share.

Food

Say goodbye to summer with the season's bounty of fresh fruits and
vegetables. That means sun-kissed tomatoes, sweet corn and juicy berries, as
well as other warm-weather favorites like lobster, steaks, ribs and anything
else you can throw on the grill.

Kebabs are a great way to combine your favorite meats and veggies in a cool,
colorful package. Served with a few simple sides like orzo salad and cucumber
salad, they're easy to prepare and easy to clean up.

Dessert could be a messy but delicious make-your-own-sundae bar, a fresh fruit
cobbler or a berry crisp.